Councilmember Barsky made a motion to excuse Councilmembers Mershon and O’Keefe. Second by Councilmember McGowan. Motion carried (5-0).

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Councilmember McGowan moved to approve the agenda. Second by Vice Mayor Herman. Motion carried to amend the agenda (5-0).

CITIZEN COMMENTS (7:31pm)

As no one appeared to speak, Mayor Hartfield closed the Citizen Comments at 7:32pm.

PUBLIC HEARING

Ordinance No. 05-11, An Ordinance to Permit the Demolition of a One-Story Attached Structure at 133 South Main Street

As no one appeared to speak, Mayor Hartfield closed the Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 05-11 at 7:34pm.

OLD BUSINESS

Ordinance No. 05-11, An Ordinance to Permit the Demolition of a One-Story Attached Structure at 133 South Main Street was introduced and moved for approval by Vice Mayor Herman. Second by Councilmember McGowan.

Discussion:

Councilmember Barsky asked Law Director Crites if the fact that she knew the applicant quite well would preclude her from voting on the ordinance. Law Director Crites indicated that as long as Councilmember Barsky did not have a pecuniary interest, there was not a conflict. However, if Councilmember Barsky felt uncomfortable, she could recuse herself.

Resolution No. 11-12, A Resolution to Authorize the Non-Permanent Installation of a Sidewalk Café on the Public Sidewalk at 130 North Prospect Street in Front of the Business Known as Greek Eats for Calendar Year 2011, Subject to Restrictions was introduced and moved for approval by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Councilmember Barsky.

Discussion:

Councilmember Barsky asked if this resolution was the same as previous years that the tables would be permitted only against the building and alongside the building. Acting Manager Terry responded in the affirmative. She added that staff would reiterate in a letter to each business that it was the responsibility of each business owner to keep all sidewalks in front of their business clean including the removal of cigarette butts, which became an issue last year.

Vice Mayor Herman questioned if Council approval was required for these café installations or could they be approved administratively like other street and sidewalk requests. Law Director Crites indicated that he recalled researching this issue previously and determining that it did require Council approval; however, Law Director Crites indicated that he would check again.

Mayor Hartfield asked if changes in restaurant ownership required that the business reapply for café seating. Acting Manager Terry indicated that all new businesses, changes in ownership or changes in tables and chairs required submitting an application to the Planning Commission. Restaurants, such as Aladdin’s and Victoria’s, would be required to submit for café seating.

Resolution No. 11-13, A Resolution to Authorize the Non-Permanent Installation of a Sidewalk Café on the Public Sidewalk at 126 East Broadway in Front of the Business Known as Broadway Pub for Calendar Year 2011, Subject to Restrictions was introduced and moved for approval by Vice Mayor Herman. Second by Councilmember Barsky.

Resolution No. 11-14, A Resolution to Authorize the Non-Permanent Installation of a Sidewalk Café on the Public Sidewalk at 132 East Broadway in Front of the Business Known as Village Coffee Company for Calendar Year 2011, Subject to Restrictions was introduced and moved for approval by Councilmember McGowan. Second by Councilmember Barsky.

Resolution No. 11-15, A Resolution to Authorize the Non-Permanent Installation of a Sidewalk Café on the Public Sidewalk at 138 East Broadway in Front of the Business Known as Whit’s Frozen Custard for Calendar Year 2011, Subject to Restrictions was introduced and moved for approval by Vice Mayor Herman. Second by Councilmember Barsky.

Resolution No. 11-16, A Resolution to Award the Contract for Grounds Maintenance for 2011, as per Specifications, to Mowtivated Mowers and to Authorize the Village Manager to Enter into an Agreement Therefor was introduced and moved for approval by Vice Councilmember Barsky. Second by Councilmember Lerner.

Discussion:

Mayor Hartfield asked if this contract had been rotating between Mowtivated Mowers and Land of Legend and if the Village staff was satisfied with their service. Acting Manager Terry responded in the affirmative.

Councilmember McGowan asked if these contractors paid taxes. Clerk Prasher indicated that as part of the contract they were required to pay taxes.

Council discussed how pleased they were with the bids levels over the past several years. Councilmember Lerner questioned why some bids were significantly higher than others. Clerk Prasher advised that several of the bidders were local residents while bids from new vendors were more reflective to the general market level in other localities.

Councilmember Lerner questioned if the Rec District had spoken with the Village regarding combining bid packages. Acting Planner Terry indicated that the Rec District approached the Village the day before the bid opening. Staff spoke with the District about working together for next year.

Councilmember Barsky advised that a copy of the Planning & Zoning Committee meeting minutes was included in Council’s packet. Vice Mayor Herman asked about the status of permitting chickens within the Village as he had received an email. Councilmember Barsky indicated that the subject was being investigated. Councilmember McGowan asked Law Director Crites if he knew of how other communities handled the urban chicken issue. Law Director Crites indicated that he was not familiar with the topic. Councilmember McGowan suggested that staff check with other communities such as Worthington. Mayor Hartfield indicated that Bexley had just permitted chickens within their community.

Granville Recreation District – (Lerner)

Councilmember Lerner reported that the Needs Assessment Survey was underway with input being sought from District residents as well as Councilmembers. The Rec District was also considering the implementation of RecTrac software system to simplify and allow for online registration.

Tree & Landscape Commission (Lerner)

No report.

Union Cemetery (Barsky)

Councilmember Barsky reported that the Fannins would be extending their visit to Granville to three weeks this year.

OTHER COUNCIL MATTERS

Mayor Hartfield indicated that Councilmember O’Keefe requested that any discussion of Council Goals & Objectives be postponed until the next Council meeting.

Acting Planner Terry provided Council with an overview of the Burg Street Sidewalk public meeting. She indicated that a brief presentation regarding the proposed sidewalk was made including an explanation regarding funding, right-of-way issues, and construction plans related to topographical issues. The public was then given an opportunity to make comments and ask questions. Acting Planner Terry indicated that there was a mixed opinion regarding the proposed sidewalk at the meeting as well as written comments received. Residents expressed concerns regarding water run-off issues, safety issues and the removal of trees. Acting Manager Terry indicated that information received from ODOT previously may now have a caveat. Previously ODOT indicated that a five foot sidewalk would be permissible; however, ODOT has now indicated that if the sidewalk was at grade level, then a two foot buffer would be required (seven foot total width) to use federal or state dollars. She also indicated that if the Village was asked to submit for the project, all rights-of-way would need to be secured before the project could be submitted.

Councilmember Barsky suggested looking at surety grants instead of using federal funds as the pathway could be designed based on the Village’s needs. She also suggested contacting an expert in the field of pathway design and construction. Acting Manager Terry indicated that expert Dan Burden opinion was sought regarding this path in 2004. His design was almost the same as the current proposal. Councilmember Barsky requested that Mr. Burden be contacted again and asked if he had any new ideas based on current trends.

Councilmember McGowan suggested building a three foot path using no federal dollars. There would be a cost savings by building a narrower sidewalk which could possible alleviate some of the conflicts. Acting Manager Terry indicated that the Village could build any type of sidewalk or pathway if no federal dollars were utilized.

Vice Mayor Herman suggested construction using a permeable surface.

Council indicated that staff should look into alternative sidewalk/pathway construction and not continue to pursue federal funding.

Councilmember Barsky and Mayor Hartfield indicated that they will be able to attend the economic development presentation on March 23rd.

Councilmember Barsky asked if there was anything that the Council needed to do in regard to a letter provided to Council at the February 2nd meeting regarding a merger and rate increase for AEP. Acting Manager Terry indicated that she would be meeting with AEP the following day and report back to Council.

Clerk Prasher asked Council if anyone would be interested in facilitating the tree trimming committee that was currently being formed as Council was aware of the previous discussions with the PUCO and AEP. Mayor Hartfield indicated possible interest as well as Vice Mayor Herman, if they met on Wednesday evening.

Councilmember Barsky confirmed that the seismic testing was currently on hold until fall based on the information provided by staff in Council’s packet that evening. Acting Manager Terry responded in the affirmative. She provided Council with a photo of the seismic equipment and a mp of existing wells in the area.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Vice Mayor Herman moved to enter into Executive Session, pursuant to ORC 121.22(G)(1) – “to consider the appointment, employment or compensation of a public employee or official.” Second by Councilmember Barsky.

Mayor Hartfield announced that Council would be exploring the option of hiring an interim Village Manager as well as reviewing the list of previous applicants. Vice Mayor Herman indicated that Council would accept new applications, but Council would not be readvertising the position currently.